Duck and Cover facts for kids

A poster for the movie that features Bert the Turtle.

Duck and Cover is a safety method that teaches you how to protect yourself during sudden dangers. It involves quickly getting low, covering your head and neck, and finding shelter. This method was first taught in the 1950s to help people stay safe during a possible nuclear weapon attack. Today, "Duck and Cover" is still a useful skill for staying safe during events like earthquakes and tornadoes.

Duck and Cover: Staying Safe

What is Duck and Cover?

Duck and Cover is a simple safety drill. When you hear a warning or feel a sudden danger, you should:

• Duck: Drop to the ground or floor immediately.
• Cover: Get under a sturdy table or desk if possible. If not, crouch low against an interior wall. Cover your head and neck with your arms.
• Hold On: If you are under something, hold onto it so it doesn't move away from you.

This position helps protect your vital organs and head from falling debris or sudden impacts.

Why Was It Taught?

During the 1950s, the world was in a period called the Cold War. This was a time of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Both countries had nuclear weapons, and people were worried about a possible attack.

To help people feel prepared, the U.S. government created civil defense programs. "Duck and Cover" was a key part of these programs. It was taught in schools and through public service announcements. A famous cartoon character named Bert the Turtle even helped teach children how to "Duck and Cover" in a short film. The idea was that even a small amount of protection could help people survive the first moments of an attack.

Is It Still Used Today?

While the Cold War ended, the "Duck and Cover" method is still very useful. It is now taught as a way to stay safe during natural disasters:

• Earthquakes: If an earthquake starts, you should "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." This helps protect you from falling objects and collapsing structures.
• Tornadoes: During a tornado warning, people are often told to go to the lowest level of a building, like a basement, and "Duck and Cover" under something strong. This protects them from flying debris.

Learning "Duck and Cover" helps people react quickly and calmly when danger strikes. It's a simple but effective way to improve your chances of staying safe.

Images for kids

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  The Rest House in Hiroshima Peace Park. This building survived the atomic bomb blast in 1945.

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  A shadow left on a gas holder after a nuclear blast. The valve protected the area behind it from the intense heat.

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  A man who experienced the Nagasaki bombing. His clothing protected parts of his skin from burns.

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  Mannequins in a basement shelter during a test called Upshot-Knothole Annie. Basements can offer good protection from fallout.

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  A map showing how nuclear fallout might spread after an explosion. Fallout is radioactive dust.

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  Students practicing a tornado drill. They are lining up along a wall and covering their heads, similar to "Duck and Cover."